If I've been there and done that then I will do my best to show you the way to good times, make life a little easier, and inspire your face off.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
In the morning...
Grab some coffee at Blue Bottle - currently considered the best coffee in SF maybe the world
http://www.bluebottlecoffee.net/
http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/blue_bottle_coffee_shop.php
Gather items around Ferry Plaza for picnic brunch outside with views of the Bay and Treasure Island
Stop by the Cowgirl Creamery store and grab some cheese
http://www.cowgirlcreamerysidekick.com/
Go to BeeKind store and grab some honey to go with the cheese
http://www.beekind.com/
Then grab some warm fresh bread from Acme Bread Co. -
http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/acme_bread_company.php
And finally pick up some fresh figs or strawberries at Farm Fresh as a perfect sweet compliment to the cheese -
http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/farm_fresh.php
After your picnic explore the bay views and watch the boats go by while walking along the Embarcadero or go across the street to the Arts Pavilion and peruse the crafts from local artists.
In the Afternoon...
Stop by Hog Island Oyster Company at the Ferry Building and sample the most amazing local oysters
http://www.hogislandoysters.com/
...dont forget to enjoy with a glass of sparkling wine
Then go by Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant to do some wine tasting and pick up a bottle or two for later
http://www.fpwm.com/
And dont forget to grab something sweet on the way out from Miette Cakes -
http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/miette.php
At night...Romantic Dinner
Go to a romantic dinner at Incanto run by Chef Chris Consentino
http://incanto.biz/http://www.yelp.com/biz/incanto-san-francisco
The perfect way to end the day...an after dinner cocktail with the best city views, music and maybe dancing at Top of the Mark -
http://www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com/top_of_the_mark/
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Dining and Dives in The Windy City...Chicago
Where oh where to go in Chicago....
SEEING...
Top of the Willis Tower formerly known as the Sears Tower tallest building in the US. Go all the way to the top Skydeck
http://www.willistower.com/http://www.theskydeck.com/
Of course go see the Chicago Bean called Cloud Gate by artist Anish Kapoor 2004 in Millenium Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_Gate
then walk around the park and see other artist installations from around the world
The Crown Fountain is amazing by Catalan (Spanish) artist Jaume Piensahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_Fountain
Here is a map of the park to pick where you want to go
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Pritzker_Pavilion
The most important thing to do in Chicago is a boat architecture tour as Chicago is home to works by some of the most talented architects in the world.
There are several you can choose from but I prefer Wendella Sights because of its cash bar and because it also gives you a tour of the lake with the most amazing views of Chicago city line for photos 90minhttp://www.wendellaboats.com/experience/lakeandrivertour.aspx
Chicago Beer tour is a MUST from Chicago Beer Experience 3 hours of local brews with a like-minded grouphttp://www.chicagobeerexperience.com/index.html
Maybe a food tour but if you trust me I can tell you where to eat below otherwise Chicago Food Planet has a tourhttp://www.chicagofoodplanet.com/#
If youve read The Devil in The White City then you know about the serial killer in Chicago during the World Fair. Take the Devil & The City Tour from Weird Chicago Tours or another one of their historical ghost tourshttp://www.weirdchicago.com/
EATING....
Most famous oldest place Portillo's to enjoy a Chicago style hotdog
http://www.portillos.com/portillos/
Best place for Chicago's famous deep dish pizza Lou Malnati's of course
You HAVE to go to chef Rick Bayless' Mexican spot Frontera Grill...best mexican anywherehttp://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/grill.html
Youve heard of deep fried turkey but have you heard of deep fried lobster!!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cocos-famous-deep-fried-lobster-chicago#query:deep%20fried%20turkeyhttp://www.mightysweet.com/mesohungry/2011/12/05/cocos-famous-deep-fried-lobster/
If you feel like a little fine dining at the bar this french place is amazing Avec
DRINKING...
Talk about drinking like an Irishman check out the Irish American Heritage Center and at the back you will find an authentic Irish Pub
http://www.irish-american.org/
Go tothe famous B.L.U.E.S Bar in Lincoln park famous for the blues of coursehttp://www.chicagobluesbar.com/
The Green Mill Jazz Club is a historic dive bar where Al Capone was often seen and it was also known as a heroin den in the 1970's which is an interesting fact
The Green Door Tavern was established in 1921 is a perfect old school bar to watch a game inhttp://greendoorchicago.com/
IF YOU FEEL SO INCLINED...IVE HEARD THEY HAVE MUSEUMS TOO :) hahaHAPPY GHOST HUNTING!!